Johnson & Wales University Announces “SharkFest” Finalists

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — John Robitaille, executive director of The Larry Friedman International Center for Entrepreneurship (LFICE) at Johnson & Wales University (JWU) today announced the finalists who will be competing in the “SharkFest” competition to be held on Feb. 11.

Twelve finalists were chosen, and they will each receive the following:  $250 in seed funding; an internship at the eCenter; a mentor; space in the LFICE; and one 30-minute radio appearance on the “Positive Business” radio show on AM790. They will also all be eligible to apply for additional seed funding from the Wildcat Student Venture Fund.

The semifinalists pitched a myriad of concepts which included: a social networking site for game players that is similar to LinkedIn; a clothing line of comfortable attire for everyday women; an idea to recycle cooking oil in China to use as fuel for cars, thus improving the country’s air quality; and a company that will take a homeowner’s trash can to the curb and return it to the home after the can has been emptied.

Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with approximately 16,000 graduate, undergraduate and online students at its four campuses in Providence, R.I.; North Miami, Fla.; Denver, Colo.; and Charlotte, N.C. An innovative educational leader, the university offers degree programs in arts and sciences, business, culinary arts, education, nutrition, hospitality and technology. Its unique model integrates arts and sciences and industry-focused education with work experience and leadership opportunities, inspiring students to achieve professional success and lifelong personal growth. The university’s impact is global, with alumni from 119 countries pursuing careers worldwide.

MEDIA CONTACT: Madeline Parmenter, 401-598-2752 Email: madeline.parmenter@jwu.edu

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